How to Buy Wading Gear

Overview

Guide

Waders

Waders are waterproof pants or bibs used to keep your feet and legs dry when you're standing in the water. There are three basic styles of waders-hip, waist-high, and chest. The deeper the water you're fishing in, the taller you need your waders. Staying dry is the key to staying comfortable.

Wading boots are waterproof boots designed to be worn with stockingfoot waders. These boots keep your feet and lower legs dry and feature either felt or rubber soles. Felt soles offer superior traction on slippery, rocky bottoms, while rubber soles dig into mud and make long hikes more comfortable. Sandals are the minimalist alternative to wading boots.

Wading socks are neoprene socks designed to drain quickly and keep your feet warm inside wading boots. Soft and flexible, fly fishing gloves are similarly designed, however gloves often feature slit opening at the ends of the fingers to give you the dexterity needed to tie or manage flies.

You'll need to carry plenty of gear for a long day of fishing. Vests offer easy-to-reach storage, they're lightweight, and they often offer more mobility than a pack. Packs are heavier but they offer the most available storage for food, water, and gear. Many brands offer fishing-specific packs and vests with features designed just for anglers.

Waders

Waders are waterproof pants or bibs used to keep your feet and legs dry when you're standing in the water. There are three basic styles of waders-hip, waist-high, and chest. The deeper the water you're fishing in, the taller you need your waders. Staying dry is the key to staying comfortable.

Wading Boots & Sandals

Wading boots are waterproof boots designed to be worn with stockingfoot waders. These boots keep your feet and lower legs dry and feature either felt or rubber soles. Felt soles offer superior traction on slippery, rocky bottoms, while rubber soles dig into mud and make long hikes more comfortable. Sandals are the minimalist alternative to wading boots.

Neoprene Socks & Gloves

Wading socks are neoprene socks designed to drain quickly and keep your feet warm inside wading boots. Soft and flexible, fly fishing gloves are similarly designed, however gloves often feature slit opening at the ends of the fingers to give you the dexterity needed to tie or manage flies.

Fly Fishing Vests & Packs

You'll need to carry plenty of gear for a long day of fishing. Vests offer easy-to-reach storage, they're lightweight, and they often offer more mobility than a pack. Packs are heavier but they offer the most available storage for food, water, and gear. Many brands offer fishing-specific packs and vests with features designed just for anglers.